Health professionals are increasingly drawn towards research in the course of their training, often with little guidance on the skills and techniques required. This practical text provides essential advice to guide the beginner through the processes involved in selecting, organizing, funding, undertaking, evaluating and publishing a biomedical research project, and completing a postgraduate qualification. Cartoon illustrations provide a wry commentary on the ups and downs of life in research. This edition contains new content on choosing supervisors, career implications, degree structures, ethical issues and time conflicts between research and service needs, and is fully revised and updated to reflect changes in the structure of medical careers and degree courses, and the use of computational and information technology in research presentation. An invaluable guide suitable for all stages of a medical research career, from the first stages of research, through to professional supervisors, career counselors and postgraduate tutors.

‘In all, this is an amusing and informative book that will enlighten prospective PhD students, help lift the flagging spirits of those already in the thick of the process, and bring back memories to those who have already passed this way. It is also a useful book for PhD supervisors – if only to remind them of how their students may be feeling!'

Source: Physiotherapy

‘ … a thoughtful attempt to outline some of the pros and cons of choosing a research career.'

J. Michael Kilby - University of Alabama

‘For a surgical trainee the decision to undertake a period of research is a major step. This excellent little book can make that decision much easier … invaluable for anyone who is trying to make up their mind as to whether or not to do research … a must for libraries and departments of survey … highly recommended by supervisors for all their research students.'

Source: Australia and New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry